Chapter 11

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As Luria, still in her mother's arms, fell asleep, the Spirit King appeared.

"Oh, Your Majesty."

"Hmm, hmm. She's sleeping well. Grow strong and healthy, my child."

The Spirit King, who had appeared in the form of a cat, kissed Luria's forehead.

"Your Majesty, Fenrir has arrived."

"Yes, I am aware."

"Now we can be at ease!"

"Indeed. With the powerful guardian beast Fenrir here, we can feel reassured."

Since spirits do not have physical bodies, they are generally not harmed by humans, animals, or monsters. However, spirits are not invincible. They have natural enemies, and these enemies are known as cursers.

Luria did not know, but the technology used by the Church of the One God to bind spirits utilized the curses of cursers. Moreover, the curse that was consuming Luria's mother was also from a curser.

"We cannot influence the mortal world without a human intermediary..."

Thus, despite their powerful magic, spirits find it difficult to protect themselves from cursers. That is why powerful creatures called guardian beasts are needed to protect spirits.

"Guardian beasts are the natural enemies of cursers. With Fenrir here, cursers will not approach Lady Luria."

"I feel at ease!"

"Yes."

As he said this, the Spirit King felt a bit of unease. The guardian beast was still a baby.

Even though Fenrir is immensely powerful, a baby is weak. While cursers might fear and stay away, they could still be overpowered by humans or monsters.

It is possible to ask the guardian beast outside the mansion to punish those who exhibit malicious behavior, like the High Priest. However, spirits cannot determine if someone has malicious intent until they act.

It's like not knowing if a dog has a biting habit until it actually bites. A dog with a biting habit might still look cute to humans.

To spirits, humans with malicious intent also look cute. The High Priest, for instance, appeared cute to the spirits until he started spewing insults.

"O God, please protect Lady Luria."

At least, please protect her until Fenrir grows up. We are powerless against human malice.

Thus, the Spirit King prayed to God. He knew that God does not intervene in the mortal world, but he had no other choice but to pray.

As the Spirit King was praying, a spirit tilted its head and asked,

"Why does Your Majesty only appear when Luria is asleep?"

"That's because it would be too noticeable."

Spirits have a fluffy, cotton-like appearance. Luria can see the spirits, but she thinks they cannot speak, so she does not pay much attention to them.

"But, can't Your Majesty also take on a form like ours?"

"I can, but I shine too brightly. It would be too noticeable."

For a moment, the Spirit King transformed into a fluffy form. He was larger and more radiant than the other spirits.

"See?"

He quickly returned to his cat form and said,

"I see."

If the Spirit King appeared in his fluffy form, Luria would notice and ask, "Dada-uu? (Who are you?)"

"Of course, Luria would try to talk to me."

"Right."

However, talking to spirits could have a negative impact on a baby's growth. Therefore, the Spirit King cannot talk to Luria.

"It would be painful to ignore her when she tries to talk to me."

"I see." "I understand." "It would be painful."

The other spirits seemed to understand the Spirit King's feelings.

After that, the Spirit King moved to the next room to check on Fenrir.

"Kyuun kyuun"

The puppy was making a whining sound as the maid washed it thoroughly.

As the Spirit King approached, the puppy wagged its tail.

"Hey, be still!"

"Woof."

"My, you're really dirty. The water is so dirty."

"Kyuun."

The Spirit King was worried that the puppy was being mistreated, but the puppy seemed to be enjoying it. The maid, who seemed to like dogs, was washing the puppy carefully and skillfully.

"Just a moment ago, you were being cold to the puppy as part of your duties, but you seem to like dogs."

"Approaching Lady Luria with such a dirty body, really. I'll wash your face, so close your eyes."

"Kyuun."

"No matter how cute and affectionate you are, it's no good! I bet you were trying to smell Lady Luria with that dirty face."

"Woof?"

The puppy was quite dirty and had to be washed three times with fresh water. After washing, the maid wrapped the puppy in a towel and held it.

"Madam said she would keep it... but what will we do? We need to arrange a toilet and a bed."

"Hehe."

The puppy licked the maid's face.

"Don't be so affectionate. Your master is Madam."

"Kyuun."

"Are you hungry... puppy... I wonder if cow's milk will do? Wait here."

The maid left the room to get milk and arrange a toilet and bed for the puppy.

The Spirit King quickly ran to the puppy.

"Are you being well cared for?"

"Au?"

"Please protect Luria."

"Woof!"

The puppy wagged its tail vigorously, as if to say, "Leave it to me."